Chapter 316: The Embarrassing Charity Funds

Many people wanted to know whether William White was an angel or a devil.

They called him an angel because he set up three charity funds in one go. His main aim was to help create jobs. They labeled him a devil because he intentionally located his auto factories around the U.S. border.

Some said Mexico didn't seem very reliable either, almost on par with certain parts of Africa.

That assessment was both right and wrong. The chaos really started in 1994; initially, things were quite good, but it didn't fully deteriorate until after the year 2000.

The reason was rather simple: America's free trade zone in South America cleared the way for surrounding countries.

Think tanks believed the U.S. economy had not yet emerged from its crisis, and unemployment rates were a crucial indicator.

But anyway, it didn't matter if you set up charity funds. It was something rich folks did every year; by donating money, they could pay a little less in taxes.

However, helping create jobs? Why not just bring back a few factories? Why complicate things?

When a reporter asked someone this, William White answered cheerfully.

"I've been pretty successful at running my business, and that's created a serious problem. I found that if I don't run my businesses into the ground a little, I might end up violating antitrust laws. You know, moving an auto factory isn't easy. I have no choice; the top executives in the auto factories are Americans, and the workers don't mind Americans. I want to say, I'm a patriot, I love this country."

Well, with a noble person like him, there was bound to be someone sneaky lurking in the corners.

Today, every word and deed of William White would be scrutinized. Regarding the location of the Tesla factory, this time there was a seemingly authoritative explanation. He just boldly stated that if his companies were a little more successful, they'd start causing a stir, and to avoid harassment, he had to choose to leave.

In fact, there was another layer of meaning to his words that others helped interpret. This indicated that Legendary World might leave the United States, and all his companies could possibly follow.

Well, except for the ones that couldn't be moved.

Of course, he could say whatever he wanted; others might not believe him. At least, those financial titans didn't. They only wanted to know why he had to be so shameless; he was really something, able to pin everything on the Justice Department.

Didn't you hear what the NBC commentator said? Unchecked power is always a double-edged sword.

What kind of talk is that? Don't even mention the Justice Department; the one sitting in the White House doesn't face this issue.

...

What others said didn't bother William White; he was busy. The year's end was approaching, and he still needed to spread some money around. If he could also irritate a few people, it'd be an added pleasure.

"William, what are you eyeing today?"

"There are too many Japanese, so it's gonna be hard to get anything. That pink plate is nice; it really fits my status." Charity auctions were bustling; ever since the Japanese showed up, prices had definitely shot up.

"William, what you said today, it can't be true, right? Monopolizing the auto industry? You're not trying to make me die from laughter, are you?" Lucas teased, bearing a mischievous grin.

"Please, Lucas, believe me, if I were to package and acquire the big three auto manufacturers, those financial tycoons would clean everything up for me. Don't believe I have that much money? Don't worry, someone will lend it to me; I don't even want anything from those I'm not close with."

Lucas looked gloomy; he knew that William White could definitely pull that off.

"Hmph, rest assured, the Justice Department wouldn't approve the deal."

"True enough, but honestly, America's carmakers are doomed; they're as good as dead."

"With you talking like that, how come I don't feel the unions are that scary?"

"Are you arguing? What level is the Writers Guild? How is it comparable to the Auto Workers Union?"

"True, but they seem to be behaving quite well lately."

"Haha, they're close to the brink; do they expect to keep milking it dry?"

The charity auction began, just as William White anticipated, the Japanese were bidding furiously, as if their faces wore the words: "We've got money to burn."

Even so, they had no intention of competing with the wealthiest man. No matter how arrogant they were, they understood who was not to be trifled with.

"William, at this rate, they might not invite the Japanese to charity auctions anymore."

"Ah, our pretentious charity doesn't quite suit them. Luckily, these fellows showed me some respect. If I had gone home empty-handed today, I'd be the laughingstock tomorrow."

"Are you really saying that plate is worth three hundred thousand dollars?"

"Not worth it; at least not now. The issue is, I don't want to bid on anything else today."

...

At the year's end, William White went to great lengths to elevate his public persona. He gave the impression that the richest man in town was genuinely interested in charity. Aside from that, he seemed to have a lot of free time on his hands. Could it be that all his money fell from the sky?

If William White's charity funds seemed awkward, the Justice Department was in a dire situation. Whatever they said, no one cared or reported on it. It felt like a single-player video game.

It was clear that NBC was just rubbing salt in their wounds, determined to amplify their awkwardness.

"Sir, what are your plans for Christmas?"

"Fulton, just arrange things at home. I'll head back to Texas when I'm done here. This year, I won't go to Lanai."

"Sure thing, sir. I'll let the young lady know." Fulton was quite happy, while William White felt speechless. His daughter was so young; how could she possibly know anything? It seemed like they were spoiling the little girl rotten at home.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.